UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons German Sword & Miniatures Forum What do I have here???

Hello all!
I have a very nice Father-in-law who gives me German stuff for Chriatmas. This year it is a nice sword. I do not really collect swords and know very little about them. To be honest I have no idea what I have here. He was told that it was a police sword, my guess was fire officials.
It is very plain as you can see, made by Eickhorn with the squirrel and sword logo (hard to picture). Every part is stamped with am Waffen Ampt, blade is plain (no etching), annodized scabbard.
One thing I have never seen before is the leather "finger catch"??? on the grip (see pics.)
So basically, what do I have here???
Thanks for all input!
Johnny

#2

#3

Numbered 2626

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Also, both the crossguard (as pictured) and the scabbard are numbered "2626".
The only marks on the blade are the makers mard, the number "3" on the spine (as can be seen in the last pic), and a waffen ampt.

Johnny,

You have a standard issue serial numbered officer sword. It was made by Carl Eickhorn in 1938 and is a size "3" as they came in three sizes of long, medium, and short for height of the wearer. The Fingerschlaufe was an extra cost item available on most swords.

Your sword was issued by the Wehrmacht (not police or fire) to officers and senior NCOs who required a sword in the performance of their duty. These are often confused with private purchase NCO type swords but they were usually worn by Army officers.

ORPO - THANK YOU!!!
Great info!
So, which blade size is "3", Long?
Can you (or anyone) recommend a good book on swords?
Thankd again!
Johnny

Ord. saber. No grip pins. Waf marked.

T

Johnny,

I think size 3 was the long one as I recall.

I would get a copy of Angolia's "Swords of Germany" or one of Wittman's books on swords depending upon which type of swords you are interested in. The Angolia book is the basic text with a little of everything.

I may Have forgot but, What wittmann book on swords?? One of his general Army, Luft, etc... books???

Damast,

I misspoke. I meant Tom Johnson's three sword books instead of Wittman. Thanks for catching my error.

I think Angolia is still the gold standard. I have V1 and V2 of Johnsons, which are pretty much a photographic journal of various sabers in wear, more than identification and techinical specifics. An Angolia type reference book with updated details would be in order.

Regarding Johnsons new saber series, I should also add that they can be purchased from hamiltonbook.com for about 60% of the retail price. It's where I got mine. Fast shiping as well. I had them both times within 7 business days.

Thanks guys!
Johnny